"The continued commitment of these special individuals and organizations helped The University of Kansas Hospital thrive as one of the top academic medical centers in the country. We are deeply grateful to have friends such as these by our side. Their unwavering hard work, innovative ideas and incredible dedication have helped transform our hospital and continue helping us move ever forward.”

– Bob Page, President and Chief Executive Officer

2016 honorees

Legacy Award:

Marc A. Asher, MD

Frank J. Ross Jr.

Catalyst Awards:

Lisa Hale and the Hale Family Foundation

The Sunderland Foundation

Partner in Excellence Awards:

Burns & McDonnell

Kansas City Royals

Legacy Awards

Honors a leader who has gone above and beyond in service to the health system over many years

Marc A. Asher, MD

From his start in 1972 to his retirement in 2008, Marc A. Asher, MD set the standard for innovation, collaboration and education – not simply for The University of Kansas Health System but for the orthopedic surgery profession as a whole. His patient-centered, collaborative approach led to the creation of the Marc A. Asher, MD, Comprehensive Spine Center, slated to serve 41,000 people in 2016. Yet his true legacy endures as physicians he once educated are now educating younger professionals.

Frank J. Ross Jr.

As adviser, advocate and outside general counsel, Frank J. Ross Jr. has been an invaluable part of the success story of The University of Kansas Health System. Since our first days as a hospital authority in 1998, he has partnered with the health system to bring credibility, integrity and respect throughout the city and throughout the nation at a time when our organization most needed those qualities. Frank and his wife, Barclay, are tireless, relentless and fearless fundraisers for the health system. As co-chairs of this year's 15th annual Treads & Threads, they set a challenging fundraising goal to break every record in the book.

Catalyst Awards

Honors individuals who have helped transform the health system through support, innovative, thinking and advocacy

Lisa Hale and the Hale Family Foundation

The foresight and the generosity of both Lisa Hale and the Hale Family Foundation have made it possible for The University of Kansas Health System to truly advance the power of medicine. The foundation provided generous start-up funding for lymphoma clinical research. And Lisa Hale, a member of the KU Advancement Board and the Blood and Marrow Transplant Advisory Council, made the first major gift directed toward cellular therapeutics. These treatments and procedures are far, far beyond the newest options available at other healthcare facilities.

The Sunderland Foundation

At a critical moment in our ongoing growth, The Sunderland Foundation made a groundbreaking gift to The University of Kansas Health System – just as we kicked off the most ambitious fundraising campaign in our history. Far beyond its dollar value, the generous gift created ripples throughout the region's philanthropic community. The public announcement and donation from an organization like The Sunderland Foundation, which traditionally eschews the spotlight, communicated a level of trust, credibility and necessity to other donors, foundation and giving sources.

Partnership in Excellence Awards

Honors companies or organizations that have invested in the health system's growth and success through philanthropy, volunteerism and/or business partnership

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is wholly employee-owned, so their generosity to The University of Kansas Health System literally comes from them. The engineering firm made the first major corporate donation as The University of Kansas Cancer Center pursued designation from the National Cancer Institute. They led the way again with a record-breaking $2.5 million gift to support Cambridge North Tower – the largest corporate gift in our history. The employees of The University of Kansas Health System and the employees of Burns & McDonnell share a culture of giving – and the former is most grateful to the latter.

Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals and The University of Kansas Health System share a commitment to being the best as well as making our city an even better place to live, work and play. Our sports medicine program and health system have gained invaluable worldwide marketing exposure as the official healthcare provider to the team. In addition, Royals Charities generously supported our Neonatal Medical Home and other special projects. Just as the team lifted the spirits of our entire community, regular visits from players and Sluggerrr lift the spirits of our patients and their families.

Leadership, advocacy and philanthropy

Established in 2011, the Hall of Fame honors individuals and organizations for leadership, advocacy and philanthropy. Their commitment and support have paved the way for the health system’s transformational journey since becoming an independent authority in 1998.